Olympics may bring more risks than economic benefits for Japan Today 05:30 am JST Today | 04:05 pm JST TOKYO
For organizers and athletes, holding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics with or without spectators may make a huge difference.
Staging the major sporting event under the coronavirus pandemic, with spectators reduced to a maximum of 10,000 per venue or 50 percent of capacity whichever is smaller may not in itself mean such a big change in economic benefits.
But some economists have raised a red flag that the economy could receive a heavy blow, rather than a boon, from the once-postponed Olympics depending on whether Japan can keep the spread of the virus in check. The games organizers have already barred overseas spectators.
Some economists are concerned that the economy could receive a heavy blow from the postponed Olympics depending on whether Japan can keep the spread of the virus in check.